Take your holiday hot chocolate to the next level with the surprising spiciness of cayenne and black peppers, giving this drink a delicious and warming zing!
Hot cocoa has been warming hearts and hands during the winter months for over 2,000 years, beginning with the ancient Mayans who first discovered the delights of processed cacao beans. Unlike their bitter, spicy chocolate drink, our modern interpretation of hot cocoa has evolved into a sweet, comforting treat that's become synonymous with holiday celebrations and cozy winter gatherings.
The tradition of drinking hot cocoa during the holidays gained prominence in Victorian England, where it was served as a luxurious after-dinner drink. The practice quickly spread throughout Europe and America, becoming a cherished part of Christmas festivities. Families would gather around the fireplace, sharing stories and sipping this rich, warming beverage.
Beyond its comforting properties, hot cocoa offers surprising health benefits. 58% of Viome users have cocoa as a food to regularly enjoy, and another lucky 12% even have it as a superfood! The main ingredient, cocoa, is rich in flavonoids – powerful antioxidants that may help improve heart health and cognitive function. These compounds have been shown to support the body’s natural inflammatory response and support blood pressure. Cocoa also contains theobromine, which can help boost mood and energy levels. When made with milk and with minimal added sugar or processed ingredients, milk, hot cocoa provides essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
This spicy gingerbread variation takes the traditional comfort drink to new heights, incorporating warming spices that not only add festive flavor but also bring their own health benefits. Ginger and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties, while cayenne pepper can boost metabolism and improve circulation – perfect for those chilly winter evenings.
Spicy Gingerbread Hot Cocoa
Makes: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
2 ½ cups milk of choice
¼ cup dutch cocoa powder
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, depending on how spicy you want it
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/16 teaspoon ground allspice
1/16 teaspoon ground cloves
1/16 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon sticks and star anise, optional
Whipped cream, optional
Instructions
Pour milk into a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan on a burner over medium heat. Warm until the milk is steaming, but not simmering, about 5 minutes.
Whisk in the cocoa powder, coconut sugar, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, gloves, and ground black pepper. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes. If the mixture begins to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Divide hot cocoa between two mugs. Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and/or whipped cream and serve.
Notes
To decrease added sugar, replace coconut sugar with an equivalent amount of a granulated monk fruit sweetener.
Nutrition Information
For 1 12-ounce serving prepared with 2% cow’s milk
Calories: 214
Fat: 8 grams
Saturated Fat: 5 grams
Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
Sodium: 147 milligrams
Carbohydrate: 30.75 grams
Fiber: 3.5 grams
Sugar: 24 grams
Added Sugar: 9 grams
Protein: 11 grams
